On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept across North Carolina, leaving behind a path of devastation and uncertainty. Alongside the challenges came stories of resilience, courage, and care. Neighbors became lifelines, families leaned on one another, and communities proved stronger when united.
At the Institute for Family, we believe these stories deserve to be remembered and shared. They are testaments not only to the hardships faced, but also to the ways North Carolinians came together and built villages of support in the midst of crisis. We are collecting these stories to honor the people who lived them and to preserve their impact for generations to come.
How You Can Share Your Story
We invite you to participate in one of two ways:
1. StoryCorps Virtual Recording Booth
Ready to share your experience in your own voice? The StoryCorps Virtual Recording Booth makes it easy to record conversations whether you’re side by side or miles apart.
- Create a free StoryCorps account
- Enter the Virtual Booth and click “Start Recording Audio”
- Save your recording to become part of the Institute for Family Collection in the StoryCorps Archive
2. Facilitated Storytelling Session
Prefer a guided conversation? Join a one-hour storytelling session via Zoom or in-person with the support of a trained facilitator. These sessions create space to reflect, share, and capture meaningful experiences.
- Sessions are led by our Education Manager, Tori Brasher-Weathers
- Sign up by completing this form
Topics to Consider
Your story is yours to tell, but here are a few prompts that may inspire you:
- How communities came together during and after Hurricane Helene
- Family experiences before, during, and after the storm
- Stories of connection and resilience in the face of loss
- Healthcare experiences in the wake of disaster
- Encounters with mental health support and services
- Voting challenges and experiences as a result of the hurricane
- Accessing essential services like electricity, internet, and phones
- Navigating FEMA and insurance processes
Why Your Story Matters
Stories have the power to connect, to teach, and to heal. By sharing your experience, you become part of a collective memory that not only honors what North Carolinians endured, but also highlights the strength found in community.
Together, we can ensure that the lessons of Hurricane Helene are not lost but carried forward—as reminders of resilience, solidarity, and hope.